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In a historic milestone for aerial sports in Nepal, Simrik Air, in collaboration with local skydiving instructors with over a decade of experience and thousands of successful jumps are leading the country’s first-ever skydiving event, entirely managed by Nepali professionals. The event, taking place from Jan 10 to 21, marks a significant turning point in Nepal’s adventure tourism landscape, highlighting the country’s homegrown talent.

The event is spearheaded by Alish Thapa, a seasoned instructor and aerial sports enthusiast who has been a paragliding instructor for 14 years. In 2017, he completed his first tandem jump, and by 2018, he began intensive training in skydiving. With experience as a Safety and Training Advisor (S&TA), Chief Instructor, and tandem instructor in Thailand, Alish’s vision for establishing skydiving in Nepal is now becoming a reality.

“This has been my dream for years,” says Thapa. “Thanks to Simrik Air, CAAN, and the Ministry of Tourism, we are finally taking steps to establish Nepal as a skydiving hub. With government support for dedicated airspace, skydiving could provide opportunities for youth and year-round economic benefits.”

Thapa is joined by a highly skilled team, including Subash Thapa, Manish Hirachan, Aashish Thapa, and Nepal’s first female skydiver and USPA-certified coach, Yeshoda KC Thapa. Together, they plan to showcase Nepal’s natural beauty and towering peaks to attract global adventure seekers. “Nepal has some of the most breathtaking landscapes for skydiving,” says KC Thapa. “We see immense potential, but proper policies and dedicated airspace are essential to fully capitalize on it.”

While the event is a crucial step forward, the team faces challenges in developing skydiving as a mainstream activity in Nepal. The approval process for skydiving activities is time-consuming, often causing potential clients to lose interest.

“Interested clients often leave because of the long wait times for approvals,” explains Subash. “Pokhara needs a dedicated airspace for aerial sports like skydiving, paragliding, paramotor, hot air balloons, and ultra-light flights. This would streamline operations and enhance Nepal’s reputation as an adventure tourism destination.”

The team believes that with the right policies, infrastructure, and government backing, Nepal could become a global hub for skydiving and other aerial sports. With Pokhara’s stunning landscapes and proximity to the Himalayas, it offers an unparalleled adventure experience.

“This is not just about skydiving,” says Alish. “It’s about creating opportunities for Nepal’s youth and unlocking the economic potential of adventure tourism.”

Enthusiasts wishing to take the leap can contact Simrik Air or the Insky Skydive Team in Pokhara to secure their spots. Two packages are available: the VIP package and the Deluxe package, starting at Rs 95,000.

A panoramic photo exhibition titled ‘MUSTANG Nostalgia: Two-Decade Odyssey’ was organized by the Gehendra Dhimal Foundation in collaboration with the US Embassy in Kathmandu on Monday. The exhibition featured 30 breathtaking panoramic photographs by renowned lens-based artist Kishor Kayastha, capturing the beauty and transformation of the Mustang region over the past two decades.

Kayastha’s stunning photographs, unveiled to the public for the first time, reflect his two-decade-long journey documenting Mustang. With roots in the culturally rich city of Bhaktapur, Kayastha’s work deeply connects to Nepal’s landscapes and heritage. His images serve as a poignant record of the region’s evolving climate, urbanization, and the resilience of Mustang’s ancient traditions within its rugged and spiritual environment.

The exhibition was attended by Deputy Chief of Mission Jason P Meeks, chairperson of the Gehendra Dhimal Foundation Gautam Dhimal, Kishor Kayastha, and other prominent figures. Deputy Chief Meeks expressed gratitude for the collaboration, stating: “The US Embassy has a longstanding partnership with the Mustang region, supported by the American AFCP, through which we have successfully completed numerous impactful projects.”

Chairperson Gautam Dhimal remarked: “The past few months have been challenging with extensive preparations for this exhibition. Today, we celebrate the culmination of Kayastha’s two decades of dedication, presenting an extraordinary collection of large-scale photographs. Over these 20 years, much has changed, and this exhibition offers valuable insights and inspiration.”

Kayastha shared his reflections on his two-decade journey in Mustang, describing it as a profound exploration of life, peace, and spirituality. While seeking inner harmony, he expressed heartfelt gratitude for the unwavering support of his wife, who stood by him throughout this transformative experience.

The exhibition also showcased photos from the US Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP) project sites in Mustang. The AFCP has been instrumental in restoring and preserving monasteries, chortens, temples, monuments, and other cultural heritage sites across Nepal. Over the past two decades, the AFCP has funded 28 cultural heritage restoration and preservation projects, totaling more than $4.54m.

With the transformation of Hyatt Place Kathmandu into Hyatt Centric Soalteemode Kathmandu, it became the first Hyatt Centric branded hotel in Nepal. A collaboration between Hyatt Hotels Corporation and City Hotel Limited, the hotel blends modern comfort with the rich cultural heritage of the capital city, promising an immersive experience for modern travelers, says the hotel. “The newly renovated property offers contemporary design, vibrant art, and innovative culinary experiences that celebrate the essence of Kathmandu. Designed as a hub for exploration, it aims to inspire adventure while serving as a local home base for savvy travelers.”

“After an extensive renovation, we are excited to introduce the Hyatt Centric brand to Nepal,” said Akshay Golyan, Executive Director of City Hotel Limited. “Hyatt Centric Soalteemode Kathmandu features a range of upgraded amenities to enhance the guest experience.” The hotel has over 8,600 square feet of event spaces for meetings, weddings, and gatherings, accommodating up to 600 guests. Dining options include NOON, an all-day restaurant and the ZING Sky Pool Bar & Deck, a rooftop retreat with stunning views of Kathmandu and a fusion menu of local and international cuisines.

Hyundai Motor Company’s acclaimed Hyundai IONIQ 5 has set a new Guinness World Record for the greatest altitude change achieved by an electric vehicle. Organized by Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL) and driven by a professional team from Evo India, the record-breaking journey witnessed the IONIQ 5 navigating an altitude change of 5,802 meters. The expedition began at Umling La in Leh Ladakh, India’s highest drivable point at 5,799 meters above sea level, and concluded in Kuttanad, Kerala, located three meters below sea level.

Spanning 14 days and over 4,900 kilometers, the journey pushed the IONIQ 5 through extreme terrains and weather conditions, from the freezing Himalayan mountain passes to Kerala’s humid coastal plains. The car’s advanced engineering and resilient performance underscored its capabilities in navigating such diverse environments. Commenting on the achievement, Unsoo Kim, Managing Director of HMIL, stated, “We are incredibly proud to see the Hyundai IONIQ 5 create history. This achievement is a testament to Hyundai’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and technological excellence. The IONIQ 5’s performance in extreme conditions reflects its engineering prowess and reinforces our vision of ‘Progress for Humanity.’”

Developed on the cutting-edge Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), the Hyundai IONIQ 5 is a futuristic electric vehicle inspired by Hyundai’s iconic PONY. With a high-capacity 72.6 kWh battery, it offers exceptional range, advanced safety features, and state-of-the-art technology, setting a new standard in electric mobility, claims the company.